OBJECTIVETo investigate the risk factors for type 1 diabetes among Uygur children in Xinjiang, China, in order to provide a basis for the prevention of this disease among Uygur children in Xinjiang.

METHODSThe clinical data of 94 Uygur children with type 1 diabetes (case group) and 96 Uygur children without diabetes (control group) between January, 2003 and December, 2013, were retrospectively analyzed. The risk factors for type 1 diabetes among Uyghur children in Xinjiang were explored using univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTSAccording to the result of univariate analysis, there were significant differences in age, prodromal infection, residence, feeding method, time for intake of starchy foods, time for intake of high-fat foods, family history, islet-cell antibodies (ICA), insulin autoantibodies (IAA), and glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies between the case and the control groups (P<0.05). According to the result of multivariate logistic analysis, older age, early intake of starchy foods, early intake of high-fat foods, prodromal infection, positive ICA, and positive IAA were major risk factors for type 1 diabetes, and breastfeeding was a protective factor.

CONCLUSIONSType 1 diabetes among Uyghur children in Xinjiang is caused by multiple factors. Prevention and reduction of prodromal infection, reasonable diet, and promotion of breastfeeding can reduce the risk of disease.